A private NYC studio or 1-bedroom is not a realistic December plan on $800–$1,000; target a verified room or home-share and use affordable housing only as a backup.

2026 Q2; Brooklyn Rental Market Report

In 2026Q2, the median asking rent in New York City registered at $3,707, an increase of $164 (4.6%) compared to a year ago. The average rental price for a studio unit increased by 2.12%, from $3,130 to $3,196.

Spacious room 900 9/143brInwood / Wash Hts $900 Nice Sized Room for Rent! 9/14Midtown East $900 300sqft.

§ 235-f(3), (5)

Any lease or rental agreement for residential premises entered into by one tenant shall be construed to permit occupancy by the tenant, immediate family of the tenant, one additional occupant, and dependent children of the occupant provided that the tenant or the tenant’s spouse occupies the premises as his primary residence. The tenant shall inform the landlord of the name of any occupant within thirty days following the commencement of occupancy by such person or within thirty days following a request by the landlord.

§ 226-b(2)(a)–(c)

A tenant renting a residence pursuant to an existing lease in a dwelling having four or more residential units shall have the right to sublease his premises subject to the written consent of the landlord in advance of the subletting. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The tenant shall inform the landlord of his intent to sublease by mailing a notice of such intent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Within thirty days after the mailing of the request for consent, or of the additional information reasonably asked for by the landlord, whichever is later, the landlord shall send a notice to the tenant of his consent or, if he does not consent, his reasons therefor. Landlord's failure to send such a notice shall be deemed to be a consent to the proposed subletting.

Home Sharing

Since 1981, NYFSC’s free Home Sharing Program helps link adult “hosts” with extra private spaces in their homes or apartments with appropriate adult “guests” to share their space. One of the matchmates must be age 60 or older. Professional Social Work staff comprehensively screen and check the references of all host and guest applicants. Prior to moving in, the service offers a written agreement to help hosts and guests feel a level of confidence and sense of security in their shared living arrangements.

Security Deposits; Rental Applications

At the beginning of their tenancy, all tenants can be required to give their landlord a security deposit, but it is limited to no more than one month’s rent. The one-month limit means that a landlord cannot ask for last month’s rent and a security deposit. Before signing a lease, the most a landlord can charge for a credit and background check is $20.

Admin. Code §§ 20-699.21, 20-699.23

The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act took effect on June 11, 2025. This law prohibits brokers who represent landlords from charging broker fees to tenants. The Law does not prohibit: tenants from choosing to hire their own broker and pay broker fees; tenant brokers from advertising their services to tenants. In addition, landlords or their agents must give tenants an itemized written disclosure of all fees they must pay the landlord, or any person at the direction of the landlord, to rent an apartment.

Rental Scam Prevention Tips

Avoid completing background checks, signing a lease agreement or paying any advance fees or deposits before having an opportunity to inspect the premises. Be suspicious if asked to use payment methods that are untraceable. Instead, pay by check or credit card and get receipts for any payments. Request everything in writing.

Basement and Cellar

Basements and cellars in residential properties of all sizes can NEVER be lawfully rented or occupied unless the conditions meet the minimum requirements for light, air, sanitation and egress, and have received approval by the Department of Buildings (DOB). Cellars in one- and two-family homes can never be lawfully rented. Occupants of illegal basement and cellar apartments may be ordered by the City to vacate or leave any illegal basement or cellar apartment.

Application Process; Eligibility

There is no fee to apply for housing using Housing Connect. Furthermore, for a unit with tax credits, a household cannot be made up entirely of full-time students unless the household qualifies for an exception under Federal law. Due to the high volume of entries submitted, not all entrants for every lottery will be selected in the lottery. If your entry has not been selected in the lottery, then you will not be contacted.

§ 42(i)(3)(D)

A unit shall not fail to be treated as a low-income unit merely because it is occupied— by an individual who is— a student and receiving assistance under title IV of the Social Security Act, a student who was previously under the care and placement responsibility of the State agency responsible for administering a plan under part B or part E of title IV of the Social Security Act, or enrolled in a job training program receiving assistance under the Job Training Partnership Act or under other similar Federal, State, or local laws, or entirely by full-time students if such students are— single parents and their children and such parents are not dependents (as defined in section 152, determined without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B) thereof) of another individual and such children are not dependents (as so defined) of another individual other than a parent of such children, or married and file a joint return.

Eligibility

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) accepted new Section 8 applications for its HCV waitlist from June 3, 2024 through Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM only. At least one member of the family is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with eligible immigration status; and the household's gross income is 50 percent or below the area median income (AMI) [see the income limit chart below].

§ 1436a(c)(2)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the applicable Secretary may not make financial assistance available for the benefit of— any alien who— has a residence in a foreign country that such alien has no intention of abandoning; is a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study; and is admitted to the United States temporarily and solely for purposes of pursuing such a course of study at an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study in the United States, particularly designated by such alien and approved by the Attorney General after consultation with the Department of Education of the United States, which institution or place of study shall have agreed to report to the Attorney General the termination of attendance of each nonimmigrant student (and if any such institution of learning or place of study fails to make such reports promptly the approval shall be withdrawn); and the alien spouse and minor children of any alien described in subparagraph (A), if accompanying such alien or following to join such alien.

Housing

It is illegal for landlords or other housing providers to refuse to sell, rent, or lease housing—or to do so with different terms, conditions, or privileges—because of someone’s immigration status or national origin. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of your immigration status, national origin, or membership in another protected class, please contact the Commission at 311 or at (212) 416-0197 to file a complaint of discrimination.

Use HPD Online to find information about your building, which may include: Complaints and Violations Property Registration Charges and Litigation Block and Lot Information Vacate Orders